New York is the biggest stage for success on our planet. If Fordham makes it worthwhile for DW to stay, both from a financial standpoint and in terms of institutional support, there will be no reason for him to leave. And if he still does, if we do those things, the job will be very attractive for another outstanding coach to step in and continue to build on our success. It's all about if Fordham as an institution wants to make it happen. Let's hope Fr. McShane understands that. -- Fordham Rams Basketball Message Board

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Date Posted: Mon March 21, 2005 22:30:00
Author: Rambacker
Subject: New York is the biggest stage for success on our planet. If Fordham makes it worthwhile for DW to stay, both from a financial standpoint and in terms of institutional support, there will be no reason for him to leave. And if he still does, if we do those things, the job will be very attractive for another outstanding coach to step in and continue to build on our success. It's all about if Fordham as an institution wants to make it happen. Let's hope Fr. McShane understands that.
In reply to: Nervous Nelly 's message, "Ram'69 and Rambacker--Excellent posts which show the relevance of Fordham's past to our present and future. Like Digger, Whit knows how to turn a team around, and how to inspire young people. BUT (and this is the million dollar question) will Whit follow Digger's bad example and leave us for a "bigger" program as soon as we've built up a head of steam? Some people (see posts above) seem to think that it is only a matter of time until he leaves Rose Hill for NC State or some such place." on Mon March 21, 2005 15:26:16

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I don't know DW's inclinations, but I think it's wrong to assume that he's inevitably going to walk out on us. From a distance, it would seem that Fordham is in fact a pretty good fit for him. Located in the basketball and media capital of the world, Fordham is a respected academic university where his no-nonsense approach is appreciated. He doesn't have to cater to "stars" with an attitude, or ride herd on potential felons--as he might have to at some big basketball schools. If DW keeps getting support from the Fordham community; if we pay him what he's worth; and if we provide him the resources he needs, maybe he'll see Fordham not as a stepping-stone, but as a place to have a long and satisfying career. (NT) -- Ram'69, Tue March 22, 2005 18:04:57

Well said. I think that could be a realistic scenario, but we need to start planning for a convocations center fairly soon if it's to happen. As much as I love the old gym, I doubt if he will stick around to play in the RHG for the long term. We need to deal with this reality. He is a big time coach - if we want to compete on the national stage, we need to do this right. (NT) -- Rambacker, Tue March 22, 2005 18:24:44

Right on target. With all the freshmen, DW likes the intimacy of the RHG. Eventually, though, he (and most of us) will want an arena more appropriate to a program on the rise. We should start soon on the planning (albeit long-term) for a new on-campus arena. (NT) -- Ram'69, Tue March 22, 2005 22:26:54

The RHG was an issue when Digger Phelps left Fordham back in '71. After being planned as a major intercollegiate arena, the Lombardi Center was downgraded to what it is today. Digger probably would have left for ND anyway, but the refusal to build a better facility certainly reinforced his decision to leave. Here we are 24 years later, and the RHG is still an issue. I love the place, and I'll admit it is an exciting venue to see a game. But if we intend to be taken seriously on the national level, we must build an arena that is appropriate to that level of competition. Wouldn't it be ironic if the administration's reluctance to build a new gym again contributes to a good coach's leaving us. Will we ever learn? (NT) -- JCC, Wed March 23, 2005 14:01:19

Woops! Make that: "34 YEARS LATER!" (NT) -- JCC, Wed March 23, 2005 14:17:08
- It is amazing that it's still an issue today after all this time. History seems to repeat itself at Fordham when it comes to athletics. Let's hope the McShane era is different. (NT) -- Rambacker, Wed March 23, 2005 16:00:04

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